By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS— Cancer is no longer “a white man’s disease”. In Nigeria today, it is one of the leading causes of death among adults. Yearly, thousands of Nigerians are diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited and expensive.
The good news is that 1 in 3 of cancers can be prevented, and another 1 in 3 can be cured if detected early.This article explains what cancer is, why it is increasing in Nigeria, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.
Normally, body cells grow, do their work, and die. Cancer cells refuse to die. They multiply, invade nearby organs, and can spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph. This spread is called metastasis.
There are over 100 types of cancer. The most common in Nigeria are *Breast, Cervical, Prostate, and Liver cancer:
Note that not all lumps are cancer. A benign lump does not spread, but a malignant lump = cancer.
Brief history:
The word “cancer” comes from the Greek word _karkinos_ meaning “crab”, used by Hippocrates over 2000 years ago.
In the past, surgery was the only treatment. Today, we have radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and even vaccines that can prevent some cancers. Nigeria now has cancer treatment centers in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Enugu, and Sokoto, though access remains a challenge.
According to GLOBOCAN 2022 and WHO data:
– ∼127,000 new cases are diagnosed in Nigeria yearly
– ∼79,000 deaths occur yearly from cancer
– Top 4 cancers in Nigeria: Breast cancer in women, Prostate cancer in men, Cervical cancer, and Liver cancer
The burden is rising due to: aging population, western diets, infections like HPV and Hepatitis B, tobacco use, and poor screening culture.
Causes
Cancer does not have a cause. It results from a mix of lifestyle, environment, and genetics.
Lifestyle
Tobacco and Alcohol: Major causes of lung, mouth, liver and breast cancer
Poor diet: Low intake of fruits and vegetables, too much suya, kilishi, processed and burnt foods
Lack of exercise, obesity
Infections: HPV causes cervical cancer. Hepatitis B causes liver cancer. Both have vaccines
Eating of roasted food exposed to open flames could be risk factors
Food stuff that are mixed with chemical are red flags to cancer
Fake drugs and beverages can also be a red flag to cancer.
Generator fumes from diesel generating sets can be a causative factor to cancer.
Natural factors
Age: Risk increases after 40 years
Family history: If your mother or sister had breast cancer, your risk is higher
Radiation: Excessive sun exposure, repeated X-rays
Warning signs
Remember this seven-point sign. See a doctor early if you notice:
C – Change in bowel or urine habits
A– A sore that refuses to heal
U – Unusual bleeding – from breast, vagina, or in stool
T– Thick lump in breast, testicle, or anywhere
I- Indigestion or trouble swallowing
O– Obvious change in a mole or wart
N– Nagging cough or hoarseness
Other signs: Unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, constant tiredness.
Prevention
Primary Prevention:
– Say no to tobacco and excess alcohol
– Eat healthy: “5-a-day” – 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Eat more fish, beans, and vegetables. Reduce red meat and seasonings overload
– Exercise: Walk briskly for 30 minutes, 5 days a week
– Vaccinate:
– Girls 9-14 years: HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer
– All babies: Hepatitis B vaccine to prevent liver cancer
Secondary prevention: Early detection
Screening finds cancer before symptoms start.
– Women: Breast Self-Exam every month. Clinical breast exam yearly. Pap smear/VIA for cervical cancer from age 25
– –Men: Prostate check PSA + Doctor’s exam from age 40, especially if you have family history
– Everyone:Go for general health checks yearly
Tertiary prevention: Live well after diagnosis
Treatment, rehabilitation, support groups, and palliative care to improve quality of life.
How is cancer treated In Nigeria?
Treatment depends on type and stage. Most patients receive a combination:
Surgery: To remove the tumor – available in teaching hospitals
Radiotherapy: Using radiation to kill cancer cells – available in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Enugu
Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs given by injection or tablets
Hormonal therapy: For breast and prostate cancer.
Supportive care: Pain relief, nutrition counseling, and emotional support
Funding. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) now covers some cancer care. NGOs like NSIA-LUTH Cancer Center, Medicaid, and Project Pink Blue also provide support.
Major health education messages:
Cancer is not contagious and not a death sentence. Early detection saves lives.
Do not wait for symptoms: Go for screening. Many hospitals now offer free screening in October for breast cancer and in January for cervical cancer.
Lifestyle change works: Stop smoking, reduce alcohol, eat fruits, exercise.
Vaccinate your children: HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines are available in government hospitals.
End the stigma. Support cancer patients. They need love, not isolation.
In conclusion,cancer is a growing health challenge in Nigeria, but it is not hopeless. Through awareness, prevention, early screening, and treatment, we can reduce the number of Nigerians dying from this disease.
Your health is in your hands. Talk to your doctor today. Visit the nearest teaching hospital or cancer center for screening.
“Early detection saves lives. Prevention is better and cheaper than cure.”
References
Federal Ministry of Health. (2023). _National cancer control plan 2023-2027_. Abuja, Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Health.
Globocan. (2022). _Nigeria cancer fact sheet_. International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/566-nigeria-fact-sheet.pdf
Nigerian Cancer Society. (2023). _Cancer statistics and awareness in Nigeria_. https://nigeriancancersociety.org
For questions and medical consultations, contact: Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear
Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos. +234 803 402 4457
